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PHOSGENE

2.3 - Poisonous gas 8 - Corrosive
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The Chemical Identifier fields include common identification numbers, the NFPA diamond U.S. Department of Transportation hazard labels, and a general description of the chemical. The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of data sources.
CAS Number UN/NA Number
  • 75-44-5   (PHOSGENE)
DOT Hazard Label USCG CHRIS Code
  • Poison Gas
  • Corrosive
NIOSH Pocket Guide International Chem Safety Card
Phosgeneexternal_link
NFPA 704
Diamond Hazard Value Description
0
4 1
Blue Health 4 Can be lethal.
Red Flammability 0 Will not burn under typical fire conditions.
Yellow Instability 1 Normally stable but can become unstable at elevated temperatures and pressures.
White Special
(NFPA, 2010)
General Description
A chemical warfare choking agent. Extremely toxic. A colorless gas or very low-boiling, volatile liquid with an odor of new-mown hay or green corn. Warning properties of the gas inhaled are slight, death may occur within 36 hours (Lewis, 3rd ed., 1993, p. 1027). Prolonged exposure of the containers to intense heat may result in their violent rupturing and rocketing.

Rate of onset: Immediate & Delayed (Lungs)

Persistence: Minutes - hours

Odor threshold: 0.5 ppm

Source/use/other hazard: Dye, pesticide, and other industries; history as war gas, corrosive/irritating.

The Hazard fields include special hazard alerts air and water reactions, fire hazards, health hazards, a reactivity profile, and details about reactive groups assignments and potentially incompatible absorbents. The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of data sources.
Reactivity Alerts
none
Air & Water Reactions
Decomposes slowly in water or moist air (or when inhaled) to form very corrosive hydrogen chloride gas (hydrochloric acid) and carbon monoxide.
Fire Hazard
For information on chemical warfare choking agents see the ERG Criminal or Terrorist Use of CBR Agents. (ERG, 2024)

When heated to decomposition or on contact with water or steam, it will react to produce toxic and corrosive fumes. Reacts violently with aluminum; tert-butyl azido formate; 2,4-hexadiyn-1,6-diol; isopropyl alcohol; potassium; sodium; hexafluoro isopropylidene; amino lithium; lithium. Stable in steel containers if dry. Avoid moisture. (EPA, 1998)
Health Hazard
For information on chemical warfare choking agents see the ERG Criminal or Terrorist Use of CBR Agents. (ERG, 2024)

Phosgene is a lung toxicant that causes damage to the capillaries, bronchioles and alveoli of the lungs, by decomposition to hydrochloric acid. There is little immediate irritant effect upon the respiratory tract, and the warning properties of the gas are therefore very slight. Pulmonary edema, bronchopneumonia and occasionally lung abscesses develop. Degenerative changes in the nerves have been reported as later developments. A concentration of 25 ppm is dangerous for exposures lasting 30-60 minutes and 50 ppm is rapidly fatal after even short exposure. (EPA, 1998)
Reactivity Profile
PHOSGENE is water reactive. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, alcohols, amines, alkali. May react violently with aluminum, alkali metals (lithium, potassium, sodium), alcohols (isopropyl alcohol, 2,4-hexadiyn-1,6-diol), sodium azide [Bretherick, 5th ed., 1995, p. 134]. May react vigorously or explosively if mixed with diisopropyl ether or other ethers in the presence of trace amounts of metal salts [J. Haz. Mat., 1981, 4, 291]. Phosgene reacts with phosphate or silicate salts, yielding water-reactive and toxic POCl3 with phosphates (Dunlap, K.L. 2005. Phosgene. In Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.).
Belongs to the Following Reactive Group(s)
Potentially Incompatible Absorbents

Use caution: Liquids with this reactive group classification have been known to react with the absorbents listed below. More info about absorbents, including situations to watch out for...

  • Cellulose-Based Absorbents
  • Mineral-Based & Clay-Based Absorbents
  • Dirt/Earth

The Response Recommendation fields include isolation and evacuation distances, as well as recommendations for firefighting, non-fire response, protective clothing, and first aid. The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of data sources.
Isolation and Evacuation
For initial isolation and protective action distances for chemical warfare choking agents see the Chemical Warfare Agents table in the ERG Criminal or Terrorist Use of CBR Agents. (ERG, 2024)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 125 [Gases - Toxic and/or Corrosive]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.

SPILL: See ERG Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances on the UN/NA 1076 datasheet.

FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)
Firefighting
For information on chemical warfare choking agents see the ERG Criminal or Terrorist Use of CBR Agents. (ERG, 2024)

If necessary to stop flow of gas, use water spray to protect the personnel effecting shutoff. Sodium hydroxide or anhydrous ammonia have been used to neutralize phosgene.

Nonflammable. For small fires, use dry chemical or carbon dioxide. Use water spray, fog, or foam for larger fires. Do not get water inside containers. Move container from fire area if you can do so without risk. Stay away from the ends of tanks, and cool exposed containers with water until well after the fire is out. Isolate the area until gas has dispersed. (EPA, 1998)
Non-Fire Response
For information on chemical warfare choking agents see the ERG Criminal or Terrorist Use of CBR Agents. (ERG, 2024)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 125 [Gases - Toxic and/or Corrosive]:

Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. If possible, turn leaking containers so that gas escapes rather than liquid. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Do not direct water at spill or source of leak. Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. Isolate area until gas has dispersed. (ERG, 2024)
Protective Clothing
For information on chemical warfare choking agents see the ERG Criminal or Terrorist Use of CBR Agents. (ERG, 2024)

Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Phosgeneexternal link:

Skin: PREVENT SKIN CONTACT (LIQUID) - If this chemical is in liquid form, wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact.

Eyes: PREVENT EYE CONTACT (LIQUID) - If this chemical is in liquid form, wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact.

Wash skin: WHEN CONTAMINATED (LIQUID) - If this chemical is in liquid form, the worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated.

Remove: WHEN WET OR CONTAMINATED (LIQUID) - If this chemical is in liquid form, work clothing that becomes wet or significantly contaminated should be removed and replaced.

Change: No recommendation is made specifying the need for the worker to change clothing after the workshift.

Provide: QUICK DRENCH (LIQUID) - Facilities for quickly drenching the body should be provided (when this chemical is in liquid form) within the immediate work area for emergency use where there is a possibility of exposure. [Note: It is intended that these facilities provide a sufficient quantity or flow of water to quickly remove the substance from any body areas likely to be exposed. The actual determination of what constitutes an adequate quick drench facility depends on the specific circumstances. In certain instances, a deluge shower should be readily available, whereas in others, the availability of water from a sink or hose could be considered adequate.] (NIOSH, 2024)
DuPont Tychem® Suit Fabrics
Tychem® Fabric Legend
QS = Tychem 2000 SFR
QC = Tychem 2000
SL = Tychem 4000
C3 = Tychem 5000
TF = Tychem 6000
TP = Tychem 6000 FR
RC = Tychem RESPONDER® CSM
TK = Tychem 10000
RF = Tychem 10000 FR
Testing Details
The fabric permeation data was generated for DuPont by a third party laboratory. Permeation data for industrial chemicals is obtained per ASTM F739. Normalized breakthrough times (the time at which the permeation rate exceeds 0.1 μg/cm2/min) are reported in minutes. All chemicals have been tested between approximately 20°C and 27°C unless otherwise stated. All chemicals have been tested at a concentration of greater than 95% unless otherwise stated.
Chemical warfare agents (Lewisite, Sarin, Soman, Sulfur Mustard, Tabun and VX Nerve Agent) have been tested at 22°C and 50% relative humidity per military standard MIL-STD-282. "Breakthrough time" for chemical warfare agents is defined as the time when the cumulative mass which permeated through the fabric exceeds the limit in MIL-STD-282 [either 1.25 or 4.0 μg/cm2].
A Caution from DuPont
This information is based upon technical data that DuPont believes to be reliable on the date issued. It is subject to revision as additional knowledge and experience are gained. The information reflects laboratory performance of fabrics, not complete garments, under controlled conditions. It is intended for informational use by persons having technical skill for evaluation under their specific end-use conditions, at their own discretion and risk. It is the user's responsibility to determine the level of toxicity and the proper personal protective equipment needed. Anyone intending to use this information should first verify that the garment selected is suitable for the intended use. In many cases, seams and closures have shorter breakthrough times and higher permeation rates than the fabric. If fabric becomes torn,abraded or punctured, or if seams or closures fail, or if attached gloves, visors, etc. are damaged, end user should discontinue use of garment to avoid potential exposure to chemical. Since conditions of use are outside our control, DuPont makes no warranties, express or implied, including, without limitation, no warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular use and assume no liability in connection with any use of this information. This information is not intended as a license to operate under or a recommendation to infringe any patent, trademark or technical information of DuPont or others covering any material or its use.
Normalized Breakthrough Times (in Minutes)
Chemical CAS Number State QS QC SL C3 TF TP RC TK RF
Phosgene 75-44-5 Vapor >480 >480 >480 >480 >480 >480
> indicates greater than.

Special Warning from DuPont: Tychem® and Tyvek® fabrics should not be used around heat, flames, sparks or in potentially flammable or explosive environments. Only...

...Tychem® ThermoPro, Tychem® Reflector® and Tychem® TK styles 600T/601T (with aluminized outer suit) garments are designed and tested to help reduce burn injury during escape from a flash fire. Users of Tychem® ThermoPro, Tychem® Reflector® and Tychem® TK styles 600T/601T (with aluminized outer suit) garments should not knowingly enter an explosive environment. Tychem® garments with attached socks must be worn inside protective outer footwear and are not suitable as outer footwear. These attached socks do not have adequate durability or slip resistance to be worn as the outer foot covering.

(DuPont, 2024)

First Aid
For information on chemical warfare choking agents see the ERG Criminal or Terrorist Use of CBR Agents. (ERG, 2024)

Warning: Effects may be delayed up to 24 hours. Caution is advised.

Signs and Symptoms of Acute Phosgene Exposure: Acute exposure to phosgene may result in severe irritation and burns of the skin, eyes, mucous membranes, and respiratory passages. Cough, dyspnea (shortness of breath), pain in the chest, and severe pulmonary edema may also occur. Cyanosis (blue tint to the skin and mucous membranes) and anxiety may be observed.

Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to phosgene may require decontamination and life support for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air-purifying or supplied-air respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary. Rescue vehicles should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination.

Inhalation Exposure:
1. Move victims to fresh air. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to phosgene.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
4. RUSH to a health care facility.

Dermal/Eye Exposure:
1. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self- exposure to phosgene.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Remove contaminated clothing as soon as possible.
4. If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes.
5. Wash exposed skin areas THOROUGHLY with soap and water.
6. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
7. RUSH to a health care facility.

Ingestion Exposure: No information is available. (EPA, 1998)

The Physical Property fields include properties such as vapor pressure and boiling point, as well as explosive limits and toxic exposure thresholds The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of data sources.

Note: For Vapor Density and Specific Gravity, comparing the value to 1.0 can tell you if the chemical will likely sink/rise in air or sink/float in fresh water (respectively). Short phrases have been added to those values below as an aid. However, make sure to also consider the circumstances of a release. The Vapor Density comparisons are only valid when the gas escaping is at the same temperature as the surrounding air itself. If the chemical is escaping from a container where it was pressurized or refrigerated, it may first escape and behave as a heavy gas and sink in the air (even if it has a Vapor Density value less than 1). Also, the Specific Gravity comparisons are for fresh water (density 1.0 g/mL). If your spill is in salt water (density about 1.027 g/mL), you need to adjust the point of comparison. There are some chemicals that will sink in fresh water and float in salt water.
Chemical Formula:
  • CCl2O
Flash Point: data unavailable
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): data unavailable
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL): data unavailable
Autoignition Temperature: Not flammable (USCG, 1999)
Melting Point: -180°F (EPA, 1998)
Vapor Pressure: 1215 mmHg at 68°F (EPA, 1998)
Vapor Density (Relative to Air): 3.4 (EPA, 1998) - Heavier than air; will sink
Specific Gravity: 1.432 at 32°F (EPA, 1998) - Denser than water; will sink
Boiling Point: 47°F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998)
Molecular Weight: 98.92 (EPA, 1998)
Water Solubility: Very slightly soluble (NTP, 1992)
Ionization Energy/Potential: 11.55 eV (NIOSH, 2024)
IDLH: 2 ppm (NIOSH, 2024)

AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)

Final AEGLs for Phosgene (75-44-5)
Exposure Period AEGL-1 AEGL-2 AEGL-3
10 minutes NR 0.6 ppm 3.6 ppm
30 minutes NR 0.6 ppm 1.5 ppm
60 minutes NR 0.3 ppm 0.75 ppm
4 hours NR 0.08 ppm 0.2 ppm
8 hours NR 0.04 ppm 0.09 ppm
NR = Not recommended due to insufficient data
(NAC/NRC, 2024)

ERPGs (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines)

Chemical ERPG-1 ERPG-2 ERPG-3
Phosgene (75-44-5) NA 0.5 ppm 1.5 ppm
NA = not appropriate.
(AIHA, 2022)

PACs (Protective Action Criteria)

Chemical PAC-1 PAC-2 PAC-3
Phosgene (75-44-5) 0.027 ppm 0.3 ppm 0.75 ppm
(DOE, 2024)

The Regulatory Information fields include information from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Title III Consolidated List of Lists, the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards, and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals Standard List (see more about these data sources).

EPA Consolidated List of Lists

Regulatory Name CAS Number/
313 Category Code
EPCRA 302
EHS TPQ
EPCRA 304
EHS RQ
CERCLA RQ EPCRA 313
TRI
RCRA
Code
CAA 112(r)
RMP TQ
Carbonic dichloride 75-44-5 10 pounds 10 pounds 10 pounds X P095 500 pounds
Phosgene 75-44-5 10 pounds 10 pounds 10 pounds 313 P095 500 pounds

(EPA List of Lists, 2024)

CISA Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS)

RELEASE THEFT SABOTAGE
Chemical of Interest CAS Number Min Conc STQ Security
Issue
Min Conc STQ Security
Issue
Min Conc STQ Security
Issue
Phosgene; [Carbonic dichloride] or [carbonyl dichloride] 75-44-5 1.00 % 500 pounds toxic 0.17 % 15 pounds WME

(CISA, 2007)

OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard List

Chemical Name CAS Number Threshold Quantity (TQ)
Carbonyl Chloride (see Phosgene) 75-44-5 100 pounds
Phosgene (also called Carbonyl Chloride) 75-44-5 100 pounds

(OSHA, 2019)

This section provides a listing of alternate names for this chemical, including trade names and synonyms.
  • CARBON DICHLORIDE OXIDE
  • CARBON OXYCHLORIDE
  • CARBONIC ACID DICHLORIDE
  • CARBONIC DICHLORIDE
  • CARBONYL CHLORIDE
  • CARBONYL DICHLORIDE
  • CG (CHEMICAL WARFARE AGENT)
  • CHLOROFORMYL CHLORIDE
  • CHLOROFORMYLCHLORIDE
  • DICHLOROFORMALDEHYDE
  • DIPHOSGENE
  • DP (CHEMICAL WARFARE AGENT)
  • NCI-C60219
  • PHOSGEN
  • PHOSGENE

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